The Embassy of Foreign Artists (EoFA)* is a unique place for artists to live, work, conduct research, and share ideas. Our spaces inspire all stages of the creative process, from initial experimentation and reflection to the presentation of more finished work. EoFA’s primary goal is to welcome visiting artists and establish programming that encourages interaction with the general public, be they professionals, amateurs or just curious. EoFA also organizes large-scale events where local and visiting artists from various artistic practices (music, dance, performance art, installations, readings, etc.) can meet and collaborate. Establishing itself as a generator of original ideas through its projects and events, EoFA is a crucial part of Geneva’s artistic community, sought out by established and emerging artists both in Switzerland and abroad.

*Swiss citizens residing outside the Geneva region are also invited to apply

Nested in the heart of Europe, yet remaining outside the EU, Switzerland, particularly Geneva, has been a place of asylum for intellectuals around the world over since the European wars of religion of the 16th century. Erasmus, Mikhail Bakunin, Hannah Arendt, Bertolt Brecht, Thomas Mann, Robert Musil and Paul Klee are just some of the noteworthy people to have lived in Geneva.

Switzerland’s neutral stance allows Geneva to flourish in a space removed from international tension. Reflection and dialogue amongst nations are welcomed, whether it be political discourse with the UN and the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), scientific discourse with the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), or economic discourse through the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the World Economic Forum (WEF).

Taking into consideration the important influence of these fields on contemporary artistic practices, it is essential to give international artists as well as researchers and intellectuals the opportunity to come to Geneva to develop their research. This intellectual presence is also undeniably beneficial for the community as well as the standing of the city, the state, and the country on the global stage. These interactions benefit Geneva to a great degree.